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Good life get Hippo to 50

Live long and prosper is the watch word at the Denver Zoo.Denver Zoo’s oldest resident, Bertie the hippo began celebrating his 50th “Bertday,” August 17 with activities and cake! Zookeepers have planned a five-day celebration with hippo demonstrations daily at 2:30. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. August 17 – 21, visitors can also enjoy an interactive hippo discovery station, a historic display of this well-known hippo and a hippo-sized card for children to sign. Cards from other zoo animals and from some of Bert’s offspring will also be on display. Bertie’s celebration will conclude on August 21, his official birthday, with zoo staff and volunteers singing happy birthday to the hippo of honor.

Bertie, affectionately called Bert, has lived at Denver Zoo longer than any other animal resident. Bert arrived at the zoo on December 16, 1958, from Central Park Zoo and was the first hippopotamus to ever reside at Denver Zoo. Bert is the father of every hippo calf born at the zoo. He only has had two mates his entire life, and has fathered 29 hippopotamuses!

Bertie came to Denver Zoo as a donation from Arthur E. and Helen Johnson. The Johnsons were pioneers in the development of Denver Zoo and long-time supporters. Helen Johnson was a former Denver Zoological Foundation Trustee and chaired its board for many years. The couple bid on Bertie in an auction and secured travel arrangements for him when he was two years old. Upon seeing young Bertie in New York, Mrs. Johnson said “he has a lot of personality and will make a fine addition to the City Park Zoo.”

A fine addition indeed – the young hippo was a media sensation and his arrival was greatly anticipated. Throughout the years Bertie has been one of the most documented animals at Denver Zoo and has been featured in numerous stories in the daily papers. Bertie is one of Denver Zoo’s most well-known animals and a visitor’s favorite.